James, a former television analyst who has worked for ABC, ESPN, CBS and Fox Sports, was part of the famous "Pony Express" at Southern Methodist University in the late 1970s to early 1980s. He teamed up with Eric Dickerson to form one of the most formidable tandems of running backs in college football history.

The Gridiron Kickoff also featured a college football discussion with a panel that included local radio personalities Doug Amos and Charlie Trotman, former Auburn All-American Ben Tamburello and Chris Stewart, the sideline reporter for Alabama's football radio broadcasts. In addition, Amos and Stewart had a one-on-one discussion about how their faith has forged their careers.